5 years jail, Dh500,000 fine for molesters

Saudi Arabia intends to introduce tough penalties involving five years in prison against people abusing women or children, a Saudi newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The new law, which has to be ratified by parliament and the King, also includes SR500,000 (Dh500,000) fine in such cases, Okaz Arabic language daily said.

“The penalty also applies to people who utter obscene words or try to blackmail women or children,” the paper said.

It said the five-year jail term is the maximum period in such cases and that it must not be less than six months.